Congestion charge plans finalised

The proposed congestion charge scheme for Greater Manchester been finalised.

Council leaders at today's AGMA meeting wanted to make reassurances that the scheme would not come into force until 80% of the transport improvements were in place and that 'there had been substantial widespread improvements across Greater Manchester's ten local authorities'.

The charge would affect vehicles travelling towards Manchester city centre between 7am and 9.30am, which cross one or both of the charging rings. Part of the outer-charging ring covers part of Middleton at Middleton Road (A576), Rochdale Road (A664) and Hollins Road.

The charge would affect vehicles travelling away from the city centre which cross one or both of the charging rings between 4pm and 6.30pm.

At 2007 prices the costs of the congestion charge would be as follows:

£2 to cross the outer ring in the morning hours and £1 to cross the inner ring.

Drivers will only be charged once regardless of how many times they cross each ring in the charging period. Therefore the maximum a driver would pay between 7am and 9.30am on weekday mornings would be £3.

£1 to cross the inner ring in the evening hours and £1 to cross the outer ring.

Again drivers will only be charged once regardless of how many times they cross each ring in the charging period. Therefore the maximum a driver would pay between 4pm and 6.30pm on weekday mornings would be £2.

This means the maximum regular users pay is £5 per day, regardless of how many rings are crossed in any one day.

Vehicles would not be charged at weekends or on Bank Holidays, for travelling around the M60 or if they do not cross one of the charging rings. No vehicles would be charged outside the times currently being considered.

Groups and vehicles which are set to receive a 100% discount from the congestion charge include emergency service vehicles, buses, and registered community transport services, blue badge holders, patients who attend hospital or specialist health facilities for regular treatment, motorcycles and taxis. It has also been recognised that breakdown vehicles play a vital role in reducing congestion and they are also set to receive a 100% discount.

Low paid workers (based on the statutory minimum wage) look set to receive a discount of 20% on the congestion charge for a trial period of two years. It has also been recommended they receive a 20% discount on the cost of public transport at peak times.